Dating My Wife

NoiseTrade Widget

2008-10-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

Birthday Concert

2008-06-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that the lack of posts of late has not been for lack of outings, more like too many to put down. We've done a lot of Starbuck's patios, little bakery samplings and morning walks.

I was introduced to Lizz Wright's music about 2 or 3 years ago by a friend and I loved her voice. When we heard she was in town for the Toronto Jazz festival Jimmy got us tickets to go see her.

We decided to take the subway downtown. (The fact that neither of us use the subway often anymore made it really fun, kind of a novelty -we're lame) We got down there a bit early and decided to grab a little snack at Gabby's, chat for a while and then head to our show.

The show was great. Lizz's voice was beautiful - the crowd was engaged...
and perhaps a little too engaged.
Due to the pitchers of beer that were readily available, a few groups of fans were a little irritatingly giddy and laughed uproariously between songs (though their enthusiasm did get us a great couple of extra songs at the end.) The laughing got really old.
Also, the person behind me kicked my chair somewhat off beat through the entirety of the concert, despite my best efforts to move my stool, and the couple behind us to the left had a running commentary going the whole time about technical details, how much they loved different aspects of different songs, wardrobe remarks...I stifled my desire to "sshhush" them.

All this made me think of the 3 year-olds at Grace that often sit through an hour of preaching without much whispering or moving.
Though I think being at church teaches people (among other much more important things) to 1) sit still 2)go for more than a couple minutes without talking and 3) respect for people presenting something (and the others trying to hear what is presented).

The music and each others company made for a lovely evening.

Date at Yorkdale

2008-03-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

I got back from the Big Apple very late Thursday night. It was a fantastic trip but I am glad to be home. Jess and I talked every day on Skype (a free video phone program) while I was gone. We have been out a few times with Clara since then but Thursday was our first real date. We went to the Pickle Barrel at Yorkdale Mall.
We were saying that the last time we were there was shortly after we were married with our friends Jason and Becky. We also had our rehearsal dinner at a Pickle Barrel at Yonge and Dundas.
The extent and diversity of the menu made it hard to choose. Everything looked amazing. I eventually decided on the artichoke spaghettini. (Jess just reminded me as I was typing this post that it is the same thing I ordered at the rehearsal dinner. I can’t believe how much she remembers. I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday.) Jess ordered the Vietnamese noodle bowl. Both were good. We always trade samples.
It’s hard to plan a perfect date. They usually just turn out that way when you least expect it. This was one of those nights. We had lots to talk about and were able to be a spiritual encouragement to each other.
We walked around the mall for a while afterwards and picked up some things for Clara.

Springy Rice Pudding...

2008-03-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Clara and I spent some time today cooking, as usual. We thought we'd make some rice pudding and take a few pictures in anticipation of Spring's arrival.

Dating the Diminutive

2008-03-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I wont be doing much dating for the next little while as Jimmy is touring the globe, I decided to share some of Clara and my outings. Clara is my up for anything girl. She has spent many hours with me searching garage sales and flea markets, thrift stores and rummage for treasures. She has become quite good at remembering what item we are looking for and, often, finding it.

My girl's no stranger to an unusual meal.

Though perhaps a little less familiar with some more common food items...and restaurants. I discovered yesterday the extent of her lack of education towards a certain fast food establishment, when my dear exclaimed "I like P-Mac-Donalds..."
P-Mac if you are reading-this is for you.

Utopia

2008-03-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago we headed down to our favorite restaurant is Little Italy's, Utopia. It's the best place for so many staples...burgers, (Best Ever)burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. Most items on the menu are around 10$ or less per person. A very small restaurant, we've learned to get there early (before 6) to get a table. We have never been disappointed by the food (very fresh and unique), service (pleasant and personal) or company. We enjoy so many things about Utopia. It is right on College Street with lots of fun book stores and coffee shops, it's a stone throw away from Kensington and we can usually find free parking.

Jimmy ordered the Southwest Bison Burger with Poutine. The poutine was delish with sauteed mushrooms, feta and veg gravy (don't knock it till you try it!). I tend to avoid coldly avoid poutine...and even I couldn't resist it.

I opted for the White Bean and Tofu Quesadilla's with a southwest sauce and some lovely mix of cheeses ->Another one to try before making any sny remarks.
While we dined I learned more about the very interesting and yet somewhat foreign (to me)concept of SEO. I like knowing what Jimmy does - and I love that he understands what he is doing because...it's some confusing stuff.

The half rate pictures we took don't do the place justice. It's very fun and trendy with perpetually changing art on the walls and eclectic music.
Go there with someone lovely.

www.utopiacafe.ca

Reading Together

2008-02-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Not all of our dates involve going out and eating food. We decided to start reading Pilgrim's Progress together after Clara goes to bed. The book and the conversation have both been a blessing.